Medical research is necessary if physicians are to develop new medicines and treatments for human diseases. Testing the effects of new medicines on people is vital - and required by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Volunteers play a crucial role in advancing medicine. Every year, thousands of human volunteers help bring new therapies to the general public.

Mercy Health Research, a division of St. John's Mercy Health Care, wants everyone to understand how research works. By learning the facts, people may see for themselves the safeguards that exist to protect volunteers, and decide if participation in a medical study is right for them. To ensure that potential study volunteers understand the process fully, Mercy Health Research requires each to complete several steps:

Step One: Call Mercy Health Research.
You will speak to a research coordinator, who will ask you a series of questions to determine if you are eligible to enter a particular study. This is called the "screening process."

Step Two: Schedule A Visit.
Once you pass the screening, the research coordinator will schedule you for an appointment to visit Mercy Health Research. There, you will learn more about the study - and research in general - so you may determine if becoming a research volunteer is right for you.

Step Three: Provide Informed Consent.
During your visit, you will be given a consent form to review. It is very important that you read and understand this form before proceeding further. The consent form explains who is sponsoring the study, who is allowed to join, how the study is designed, how many study-related office visits are required and the risks involved in the research. The FDA requires that you give your informed consent before any study-related procedures are performed. Signing the consent form is the final step before you are permitted to participate.

Informed consent makes it clear that you are joining a research project on a completely voluntary basis. You cannot be forced to participate in a medical study against your will. Mercy Health Research will not be upset or unhappy with you if you decide not to sign the informed consent. In addition, you are not obligated to continue in a study if you feel it is not right for you. Your may withdraw your consent at any time.

Once You Start. If you are accepted into a study, a research coordinator or the doctor in charge of the research will see you for regular appointments. While each study is different, almost all involve taking a study medication, participating in medical testing and keeping records about how you feel during the study.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What tests will I undergo?
Medical testing conducted during a research study is generally the same as the testing you may undergo during regular examinations by your primary care physician. Study personnel may take your blood pressure, draw blood for testing, perform tests on your heart or lungs, and conduct general physical examinations.

Is there a cost to participate?
These tests and examinations are performed at no cost to you or your insurance company. Likewise, there is no charge to you for the study medications. In addition, some studies provide reimbursement for your time and travel expenses.

Who takes care of me during the study? Is my own doctor involved?
A licensed medical doctor is in charge of the research project and will be responsible for medical care connected with the study. With your permission, Mercy Health Research doctors will be happy to share medical information with your personal physician.

How do I get started?
If participation in a medical research project sounds interesting to you, a friend or a family member, please contact Mercy Health Research today:

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